PANAJI
All Goa Secondary School Teachers Association has maintained its opposition to the new Academic Year changes urging the government to rethink.
Association President Suraj Victoria questioned the government to justify the reason for such hurried academic change and how it is going to benefit the students and school as a whole.
"We believe these changes will adversely impact students, teachers, and the overall education system in Goa. When the government is talking about extra time to complete the syllabus, one has to understand that the commencement of the academic year in April means the end of term in March. This means assessment cum exams will be held in February. So, where is the question of extra time,” he said.
Starting the academic year in April will leave teachers insufficient time to complete crucial post-academic year tasks, correction of examination papers, including board exams for which many teachers are deputed, finalization and declaration of results, Preparation of timetables, annual plans, and lesson schedules for the new academic year, Planning co-curricular and extracurricular activities.
He also pointed out that April is one of the hottest months in Goa with high temperatures and humidity creating extremely uncomfortable and unhealthy conditions for students and teachers. “Also, as per CBSE, after the first team exam, which is held in September and coincides with Ganesh festivities, they have 15 days break. This break comes during the cooling period of October-November,” he said.
He reiterated that most schools lack proper cooling facilities, increasing the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and reduced concentration in classrooms.
He said that sudden change will disrupt their mental and physical readiness, leading to unnecessary stress and confusion.
